Heated glass panels and methods for making electrical contact with electro-conductive films

Abstract

A glass panel assembly according to one embodiment of the invention may include a first glass sheet having an electro-conductive film provided thereon and a conductor positioned at a location on the electro-conductive film. A retainer engages an edge portion of the first glass sheet and the conductor so that the retainer applies a compressive pressure to the conductor. The compressive pressure enhances electrical contact between the conductor and the electro-conductive film.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 352,005, filed on Feb. 10, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention generally relates to structures and methods for making electrical contact with electro-conductive films on substrates and more specifically to heated glass panels. BACKGROUND [0003] Heated glass panels are known in the art and are commonly used to reduce or prevent the formation of condensation or fog on the glass panels. For example, heated glass panels are commonly used in refrigerated merchandiser units of the type used in grocery stores to store and display refrigerated and frozen foods. Heated glass panels may also be used in other applications, such as bathroom mirrors and skylights, wherein it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the formation of condensation on the glass panels. Heated glass panels, typicall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] A glass panel assembly according to one embodiment of the invention may include a first glass sheet having an electro-conductive film provided thereon and a conductor positioned at a location on the electro-conductive film. A retainer e

Problems solved by technology

While commonly used configurations for such heated glass panels work well were the amount of heat produced is modest, such as, for example, in applications wherein the formation of condensation is to be avoided, considerable problems arise in applications wherein greater amounts of heat are to be produced.

However, it has proven difficult to provide an electrical connection between the power source and the electro-conductive film that is capable of reliably providing the higher currents required to produce significant amounts of heat.

While bus bars formed from such thin metal foils have been used with success in low power applications (e.g., panel de-fogging), they are not capable of handling the higher currents involved in situations where the heated glass panels are to provide a significant amount of heat.

While thicker conductors could be used

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